Brudda & MLK Weekend Fun.

It has been a whirlwind of a weekend! January, for me, is a month of birthdays. I have many, many good family and friends who celebrate their birthday in the first of the year, and this is probably good because sometimes, I really need a reason to celebrate in this awful month. Especially through this frigid weather that Utah has been experiencing. I have lived here for 4 years now and I still hate the cold. Always have. Always will. It is never okay to be 0 degrees. Ever. 

This weekend has included baby showers, birthday parties, some of my students' basketball games, a lot of errands, a lot of reading and blogging in bed, the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, etc. 

Today, fortunately, I have spent most of the day in my bed catching up on blogging crap...er, I mean, things, and painting my fingernails. I had a lot of plans today. A lot. I was going to go back up to Park City for the Sundance Film Festival, go sledding, or even go to the hot pots, but after spending an entire day waiting in line for a Sundance film yesterday, I decided that my bed seems like a much more comfortable place. As a teacher, I do not get very many days off work--so I have savored this day as much as I can. I'm probably lazy. But I don't care. I keep reminding myself that this is something that I need. Especially with the emotional roller coaster that has happened in a lot of my friendships this week (yes, more on this later, as well...maybe). 

Well, on Friday, it was my brother, Landon's 24th birthday. He's all grown up! Landon and I are only 18 months apart, so we have been through many experiences together. This summer, he and I will be diverging into our separate "paths of life" and that kind of makes me sad. Even though he will only be in Salt Lake, I know that my opportunity to see him will lessen. He's always been my buddy--even through those awful high school years! Haha. Happy Birthday, Brudda Lanny. Luh you. 

Party animal. 

Brother & Sister! 

Since we were wee ones!

Other Weekend Events {Instagram Style}: 

Designated camera taker at birthday party #1

At "Before Midnight" premiere at Sundance Film Festival in Park City. 

At my students' basketball games. Oh yea! 

BYU basketball game! 

A much needed manicure and lazy holiday! 

Shelby's baby shower--with high school friends! 

Still weirds me out to see this jersey all over town.
Every time I see it I  think "Hey! There's my name!" 

Instagram: @sisiainge

Now, my friends, I am going to go watch the Bachelor. And drool over Sean. 

Still convinced that if he knew me, he'd fall in love with me. That's all I'm saying. 

Happy MLK Day! Thank goodness for equality. (like how I put that in there?)

A little late, I know.

November 2012 was a very difficult month for me. 

I felt as though life was so incredibly stressful that I was being smashed in from all angles. I felt trapped and I couldn't get out of the rut that seemed to continuously haunt me. 

I was being observed in my classroom from UVU, my principal, my school mentor, the district, and a lot of people at least once a week--which, ultimately, required an immeasurable amount of lesson plans and stress. I don't think I can fully convey the uneasy feeling that a teacher feels when someone is just sitting in the back of your room critiquing every little thing that you are doing--especially if they are ones determining if you are a "good" teacher not. 

Along with that, I was finalizing my Senior Teacher Work Sample and finishing the last final steps of my college career. Which, in itself, was a big step. 

In the month of November I got: the flu, strep throat and kidney stones. Yes, you read that right. Kidney stones. I have literally, never been in more physical pain than I was in with those awful things. I literally would have much rather have died. 

Along with that, I got a flat tire in the middle of the night at my school (after everyone had left) and I got a speeding ticket, too. 

Plus, that's when the weather started getting cold. And I hate cold weather. Hate it. 

Now, I am not entirely sure if it was because of all of these outside factors that I became really down or if those things were happening because I was feeling down in the first place. But, in all honesty, I was not in a good place, whether the reason is known or not. I was lost. And confused. And really unhappy. I felt as though I had hit an all time low. My self esteem was done. I didn't like myself physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. 

Fast forward two months and I feel like a completely different person.

 I am so grateful for time.

I am so grateful for the Atonement and the knowledge that I have that the Lord knows every feeling I went through. And that, He loves me so incredibly much that He did everything in His power to make sure that I came out on top. With the effort of His love and my hard work, I can honestly say that I am no longer feeling sorry for myself. 

I am so grateful for an idea of a New Year. 

I feel refreshed and ready to start living my life again. 

Today, I gave a talk on the Divine Role of Motherhood. Sounds iffy, especially since I am not a mother, right? But it was so wonderful. It made me realize the importance of being a woman and the immense amount of love that the Savior has for women, in general, and for me, as a woman, individually. 

Lastly, I want to finally, share some photos of Thanksgiving Break. I had the opportunity to spend it in Palm Springs with three of my siblings and their families. It felt so nice to be in the warm sunshine (even though I had kidney stones pain the whole time). It was so nice to get a couple of days of sleep and relaxation, in the midst of this whirlwind of a time.

This past Thanksgiving definitely made me grateful for my health, that's for sure! Haha. 

Here's to a healthy 2013!!! 

Oh, Baxter.

Brother, Landon and Baxter.

Our golf course view!

backyard :)

My nephew, Dane.

My niece, Brizzy. 

Haha so perfect.

Brizzy is a clone of her father. 

:) love this.

Same exact facial expression.

Brother in law, Paul with Dane!

Catching Briz in the water.

Learning how to dive. SO cute!

the family gang. not literally. 

Typical. 

My adorable pregnant sister and her cute little family. 

The single children and the parentals. Are we clones of our parents or WHAT? 

Remember that one time when we used this as our Christmas card and my mom cut Nick and Landon out of it? Hahaha

Me and my niece, Brizzy :)

Man, gotta love my family!

Love those crazy, strong-willed, opinionated people ;)

Note: This blog is in the process of being re-done (can you tell?) My friend is working with me to help tweak some stuff for buttons, sidebars, etc. So, please just be patient! New Year, new blog, right? Hope you like it so far! Greg is my lifesaver!!! 

Beautiful Oregon.

When I went home to Oregon for Christmas Break, I needed some alone time. 

As usual. Ha.

I love going home to the green. I love seeing the forests and breathing the clear air. 

It's so clean and fresh! 

I decided to take this much needed alone time to gather my thoughts and take pictures of some of my favorite spots in Portland. 

Each of these have a special story behind them. I will explain some of them briefly, but for the most part, just enjoy the beautiful scenery!

 Note: I didn't have time to label these, so please do not steal them! If you would like them, let me know and I would be happy to share. Thanks!

My backyard :)

The path up behind my house. Many walks have been taken here. 

My house!

Love those trees. 

Portland, Oregon Temple. So beautiful. 

Many summer days were spent in & under that tree. 

A little sun sneaking through!

Beautiful sunset out in the country. 

Clouds. 

Love this. So much. 

If you haven't gotten yourself up to Oregon...get your booty up there ASAP. 

You'll fall in love. Promise. 

xoxo.